David Byrne showcased artists from the so-called "freak folk" scene such as CocoRosie, Adem, Cibelle, Devendra Banhart, and Vetiver Friday (Feb. 2) at New York's Carnegie Hall. Vashti Bunyan, a pioneer of the psych-folk movement of the 1960s, was also on the bill.

A visibly nervous Byrne said a few words at the beginning, telling the crowd the most common question the artists were asking him during rehearsals was "why us?" Byrne's response: "why not."

CocoRosie kicked things off with an eclectic mix of hip-hop and opera, and showcased songs from their forthcoming record, "The Adventures of Ghosthorse and Stillborn." Bunyan received a rousing applause when she dipped into her 27-year-old catalog for the sparse "Just Another Diamond Day" and a playful version of "I'd Like To Walk Around in Your Mind." Cibelle, the Brazillian by way of London singer/songwriter, dueted with Adem and provided backing vocals most of the evening.

Closer Devendra Banhart also previewed songs from his yet-to-be-titled forthcoming album: one "about flags" sung in Spanish and another tune that found bandmate/producer Noah Georgeson taking several guitar solos.

The night was capped with everyone on stage, including Byrne, singing a cover of Moondog's "Be a Hobo." Former Cars frontman Ric Ocasek and Black Crowes lead singer Chris Robinson were spotted in the audience.